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How do TPMS sensors work?

My TPMS is always telling me that my tire pressure is low. I’m wondering if it’s accurate. How do these sensors work?

avatar
Melanie Johnson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oh, no! We suggest getting your car checked by a mechanic. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors work by monitoring pressure levels in your tires. The TPMS sensors send information to the control module of your car when your tire pressure is too low.
Here’s more on that:
  • The TPMS indicator light will become illuminated on the dashboard of your car when your tire pressure is low.
  • The indicator light is yellow, looks like a horseshoe, and has an exclamation point.
  • TPMS sensors send information to the control module of your car when tire pressure dips below a certain point.
  • Each tire on your car has a TPMS sensor on it.
  • Each sensor has a unique serial number in order to easily distinguish which tire is low.
It’s a good idea to get to the bottom of what’s causing your car’s low tire pressure. You might have a
nail in your tire
—which you can fix yourself if you have the right experience and tools.
With your car acting up, make sure it’s protected with the right
car insurance
policy.
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